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Communicating with Parkinson's

How does Parkinson's affect communication?

​Parkinson’s can affect many aspects of communication. For example, someone may experience:  

  • A quieter voice that others find difficult to hear  

  • Changes to the speed and fluency of talking  

  • Difficulty finding words 

  • Reduced facial expression and body movements / gesture 

  • Difficulty keeping track of the conversation  

  • Difficulty being able to include all the key points they want to

  • Difficulty having an active role in conversation, in particular in groups

  • Reduced confidence around taking part in conversations

  • Reduced confidence around socialising and meeting with friends
     

People living with Parkinson’s may find that some difficulties are more evident at different times (e.g. at certain times of day or in different contexts such as in groups/ on the phone). Their communication can vary, and be difficult and require greater effort to control or change. Having a conversation can feel exhausting.

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If not well supported, there is a risk that communication difficulties can affect people’s wellbeing and confidence. Some people living with Parkinson’s describe feeling embarrassed, self-conscious and reluctant to join in as a result of communication difficulties. They may avoid certain situations (such as large gatherings).

Conversation with others

Crucially, Parkinson’s affects all members of the conversation. Conversations can become frustrating, embarrassing or exhausting for people involved.

As a result of the conversation breaking down, others may automatically do things that don’t always help the conversation flow. Sometimes these ‘behaviours’ are intended to help but can get in the way. For example, other people may:  
 

  • Fill pauses by talking  

  • Ask questions when they know the answer – these are called ‘test questions’  

  • Avoid conversations

  • Finish off the other person's sentences (possibly incorrectly)

  • Correct the person  

  • Ask the person to speak louder even if they have understood  

  • Talk while doing other things or face away from the person when talking
     

Both the person who has a diagnosis of Parkinson’s and the other people in the conversation can make changes to improve conversations. A friend or family member who regularly talks with the person with Parkinson’s can really help, and needs to understand what works for the individual.   

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Convo others

How does Better Conversations help?

The Better Conversations programme is designed to support both people in a conversation to build on skills and make changes to improve wellbeing and success in conversation. Both the person with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s and their family member or friend will have improved skills and understanding of what works well and less well in conversations. Sharing this knowledge with other friends and family can help people living with Parkinson’s to feel more confident in situations that previously might have felt challenging (for example chatting with a group of friends or with people you know less well). Taking part in this therapy will help you build your understanding of conversation, and equip you with skills to manage communication difficulties associated with Parkinson’s now and in the future.

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